Ratings Debate: Will ‘Castle’ last past season 7 with Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic?
We’re back with the second edition of our Ratings Debate series for 2015, and this is a show we haven’t thought about as one in danger for a particularly long time: “Castle.” This show has been a consistent performer on ABC after “Dancing with the Stars” / “The Bachelor” for years, but two things happened this season: The ratings fell, and we reached a contract year for stars Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion.
This is a show in an interesting place here, given that if contract negotiations were done, we feel confident that the show would be coming back in the fall. However, the prolonged nature of them is startling, and that coupled with the lower ratings makes you wonder if the show is brought back, just how much more gas it really has left in the tank.
The case to keep it – As far as ratings go, “Castle” is not terrible. It is still competitive with “NCIS: Los Angeles” on Monday night, and it does generate some DVR viewership. It is also in syndication over on TNT, and there are a variety of ways that ABC can make money on it given that it is produced through them.
For now, any rumor that either Fillion or Katic want to leave the show is simply that, and likely not true. If they wanted to depart, they would have likely announced it before the season and gave the writers a fair warning. However, it is always possible that they could be thinking about doing other things and want some time to do that. Our feeling is that the show probably does not have many years to go, but a 13-episode eighth and final season would be appropriate for all parties. It would be a chance for fans to get a proper ending, and it may be easier to work out new contracts for a shorter period of time.
The case to cancel it – As we said earlier, the show’s ratings aren’t what they used to be, and we feel like some of that was due to the controversial choice at the end of season 6. You may not get some of those viewers back. More than that, you also have to remember / consider whatever your budget is for the show, and how much it will cost to get the cast to agree to new deals. Once you pass season 7 is when actors tend to start generating some huge paydays for new episodes. This is one of the reasons why “The Mentalist” probably ended when it did.
Prediction – We’re going with a shortened final season. We don’t get the sense that there is any plan at all to end it this fall, but we also feel like there may not be too much more story left to tell.
What’s your prediction? Vote in the poll below, and be sure to head over here to see other entries in our Ratings Debate series. Also, sign up to acquire some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)
Jimmy
April 13, 2015 @ 10:06 pm
In reference to Castle’s ratings, I saw something on Twitter that showed despite the boost last season, the show has steadily lost viewers. And networks will tell you, the number of eyes on the screen doesn’t matter. I think the show is down below what it was in season 5 in terms of viewer growth in the time-shifted viewing. So in other words, all this talk about still performing is moot. It’s losing viewers, most of which isn’t because of changing viewer dynamics. Quit hiding behind the belief that as the show is losing viewers because of people watching Netflix. That’s just a bunch of BS. You’re in denial.
Amanda Smith
April 13, 2015 @ 9:16 pm
“Lower ratings” seriously? Castle is still pulling more than 12 million viewers in a time when ratings for ALL shows are dropping dramatically. That’s hardly “lower ratings”. Stop with the doom and gloom.
Also, you don’t have a clue about any contracts. For all we know main contracts are signed by now and they’re just working out the finer details.
I’m tired of all this mindless drivel that people are posting without even looking at the FACTS.
Buddy
April 12, 2015 @ 12:44 am
I want one or more long seasons. The fans, cast and crew deserve it and more. I do not know what the cast members earn and I do not care. Contract negotiations should result in an agreeable settlement for all assuming all are honest and reasonable. I believe that the bucket list being prepared by Beckett and, hopefully, by Castle should provide considerable episode foundation for two years or more. With an overall plan and structure for future episodes instead of a haphazard one fans should start to return. Back stories and mythology should be completed in no more than 2 episodes or should at least see some meaningful activity every 2 episodes or less.
Livus48
April 11, 2015 @ 9:19 pm
Of course Castle should continue,at least 1 season of not more.There are so many good stories yet to tell,so many different avenues to explore.The writers are one of the best,if not the best in the business.And the same with the cast and crew. All these strange rumors about them,pls.stop.We do not know……we where not there.
Money wise they should be payed for what they do,for the very long hrs.and the dedication they put in so we can be entertained,and amused…So YES of course Castle should continue ?
wow
April 11, 2015 @ 5:59 am
The more I think about the situation the more I think the season should end. Of course, if the cast get a nice raise, they should sign on for at least another year, especially if Stana and Nathan could be paid at least 200,00-250,000 per episode (or more). I say this because financial security is important in the life of an actor.
Otherwise I think Stana should leave. I think her talents are being wasted and stagnated on this show now. The quality of the scripts have been corrupted and therefore overall the quality of the show is no longer what it was. I mean we get ninjas, alternate universe, cowboys and saloons. What next, Superman able to leap tall buildings with a single bound. BTW, I am not 14 years old, the target audience for such mess.
Sure I will miss the show, the show that it was before this season, but I’ll survive.
I just want to see Stana try her hand at something else, even if she fails.
wow
April 11, 2015 @ 6:16 am
I should have added that this talk of Nathan and Stana not getting along is getting old. So what, I am so disappointed by what this show has become, that situation is at the bottom on my list of caring.
I concede that the love scenes (and that’s a stretch) are so very awkward to the point of embarrassing but I am so anxious for compelling stories, interesting stories that can hold your attention (this does not include Castle sitting in the floor with some wings on and making faces at a kid, heaven help us) that I will ignore the bad love scenes and pretend they never happened.
Is this the same show that gave me Knockout, Suckerpunch, Kill Shot, TBOTB, Disciple? I mean come on, what happened?
JB
April 13, 2015 @ 1:59 am
I agree, it feels like they are not producing near the caliber they were. A few shows this season have been decent, but nothing like Veritas or In the Belly of the Beast or any of the ones u mention. I have always loved this show for its creative writing, but all the sci-fi sh*t and outlandish story-lines are getting to be too much. It’s like they’ve run out of interesting narratives. I hope for at least a shortened season just because I hate to see the show go, but not if it’s writing like this season has been. It kind of feels like a joke, I was not once enthralled in gripping story-lines like I was in previous seasons. It’d be sad to see it go. But maybe (hopefully) they can revamp next season if renewed.
lynn
April 11, 2015 @ 2:42 am
There is so much rubbish on the social media it is amazing. They will probably sign new contracts. The ratings are fine better then most and of course are not the same as previous years because the rating system for all the shows has changed.Good grief people smarten up! All the shows have lower live ratings because many of us now can watch our shows when we want to. Not live necessarily. As to Mr. Fillion and Ms. Katic getting along, come on, they are probably very good friends. They are private people,at least she seems to be. And with the nonesence some of their supposed “fans” throw at then it is no wonder the stay to themselves.
With good writers there are a host of avenues the show can continue along. And if they want to, I bet they could go for a few more years. Perhaps they may want to try something else! I personally hope we get a couple more years of the show. But if they want to stretch themselves in new roles then so be it. Let’s face it, don’t believe what you get on the internet or in tweets!! None of us know anything about these performers. We should just let them be and enjoy their performances.
frank
April 11, 2015 @ 3:24 pm
So you are saying the viewing habits of audiences changed suddenly in just one season? Get real. Wake up from your dream.
The show just lost viewers who became disenchanted with the stories this season.
It’s not rocket science to figure that out.
lynn
April 11, 2015 @ 4:10 pm
I didn’t say the show has not lost live viewers! In fact I said just the opposite! However all of the shows have lost live viewers steadily over the past couple of years due to the fact that we can watch on Demand! video recorder etc. And it’s not just one season. That is just a fact. So though I am not a rocket scientist when I read a comment I am happy to say I comprehend what is before me.
So as to your smart comment, may I just remind you of the old saying which seems to apply to you in this instance “it’s better to have people think you are a fool then to open your mouth and prove it.!
Have a good day!
frank
April 11, 2015 @ 7:07 pm
Do you even read what you write, better yet try comprehending your words.
If you said the ‘opposite’ that would mean they gained viewers.(opposite of loss is definitely gained). And gained certainly does not apply here. Let’s repeat, Castle has lost viewers because of the terrible stories they are dropping on us in season 7. I don’t work there and I don’t know why they did a U-turn in the script writing, but it was a big,big mistake.
If you are attempting to boost up or compensate for the loss of viewers by comparing to other shows then your excuse is weakened by the fact that Castle has a history of remaining steady and dependable.
Castle had steadily gained viewers through the seasons, which is what helped to save this show year after year. And while all episodes were not good or great, the majority were.
Never has Castle dropped steadily week after week. I really never imagined a rating as low as 1.3 although I understood why people were leaving. But I kept hoping because they had such good scripts in the past.
I now think that maybe they are beyond repair.
lynn
April 12, 2015 @ 4:45 am
Read carefully!! I did not say the show had not lost live viewers…I said all shows had lost live viewers and much of it was because of the manner in which we watch tv now. Video..on demand etc.!! since you obviously don’t comprehend what is written lets just leave it at that. Your opinion is as valid as mine ..however I disagree with it.. case closed!.
Celticlady
April 11, 2015 @ 1:02 am
I wonder how people seem to “know” all this! Stana and Nathan not getting along as well, both asking for a mil each. How do you know this? Is it fact or innuendo? All I want to know right now is if they will be back next fall and I am really hoping they will!
Amanda Smith
April 13, 2015 @ 9:20 pm
That thing about them not getting a long is a rumor that was started IN SEASON 1 based on a “blind” item posted by someone and was never actually even about Castle, Nathan or Stana. Amazing the life a false rumor can have!
Teri
April 11, 2015 @ 12:33 am
I think there is a lot more story to tell. I want 1-2 more full seasons to wrap up things like they should be.
Celticlady
April 11, 2015 @ 12:59 am
I agree 100%, Teri! I think that there is a good chance that, if the writers remain true to form and even get better, that this wonderful show could last at least two more seasons!
Jack Mullins
April 10, 2015 @ 8:19 pm
Phealy1 where are you getting your information, do you really think Stana and Nathan would want 24 million for a series? I believe that if it were true there would be no more Castle. Just hoping they can all come to terms so we can enjoy our Idols.
phealy1
April 10, 2015 @ 6:39 pm
they have requested 1 million each, per episode. So ABC do your work.
paige
April 10, 2015 @ 9:37 pm
not true. Stana and Nathan aren’t getting along like they use to and I think that plays a big part. money has NOTHING to do with this. and maybe they want to try something new. this has been for 7 years. I want to keep it but still.
Reet
April 11, 2015 @ 1:15 am
how right you are about them not getting along. When have you really seen them kiss? The never put lip to lip. Kate’s phone always rings and they have to stop. For people who are supposed to be married, we don’t see them hold hands or just embrace.
Ellen
April 11, 2015 @ 4:47 am
If you believe Stana and Nathan have asked for 1 million per episode, you’re out of your mind. Castle isn’t TBBT and both of them would never ask for that much because they know how unrealistic it is. What’s your source? Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.
Amanda Smith
April 13, 2015 @ 9:20 pm
haha, unless you’re Nathan/Stana’s manager or ABC you’re talking out your rear end.
Jana
April 10, 2015 @ 4:57 pm
Castle will not get canceled anytime soon if Nathan and Stana want to do more seasons and if they don’t request a huge raise soo any drama is not welcome ok, good and bye